The Story Behind Mamma and Cub: How My Daughter Inspired Everything

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child in 2023, I imagined a soft and
peaceful journey into motherhood — the kind where you’re surrounded by women who
guide you, comfort you, and show you what to expect.

But that wasn’t my experience.
I didn’t have a mother or grandmother to lean on.
My mother-in-law lived four hours away.
And suddenly, I was navigating pregnancy almost entirely on my own — Googling
everything, crying over the smallest things, and hoping I wasn’t messing it all up.

In December 2023, I welcomed my daughter, Raven — my whole world wrapped in the
tiniest little body. The moment I held her, something in me shifted forever. I had never
felt love so fierce, so consuming, so instantly protective. She became the reason behind every decision I make now.

Where the Idea for Mamma and Cub Began

During my pregnancy, one of the things I struggled with was finding cute, comfortable
maternity clothing in South Africa. I wanted to feel like me while carrying Raven —
confident, stylish, soft, beautiful — but everything I found felt outdated or bland.
I eventually turned to Shein because it seemed like the only place with options I actually liked.

And then the tariff fees hit.
Suddenly, the “affordable” maternity outfits cost double. It was frustrating, and honestly, it made me feel unseen as a South African mom. Why did we have so few options locally? Why did everything cute have to come with stress, delays, and extra costs?

That frustration planted the first seed for Mamma and Cub.
I knew moms deserved better.
I wanted to create a space where expectant moms and existing moms could find
everything they needed — beautiful maternity clothing, stylish babywear, and locally
made products that didn’t break the bank.

I didn’t know it then, but Mamma and Cub was already forming in my heart.

The Hardest Goodbye

When Raven was only 2.5 months old, I had to return to work.
Nothing prepared me for how much that would hurt.
Leaving her so tiny, so new, felt unnatural. I would stare at photos of her all day. My
body was at work, but my mind and heart were always somewhere else — wishing I
could just be with her.

It broke me in ways I didn’t expect.
But that pain also pushed me. It made the dream clearer. I wanted a life where I didn’t
have to choose between being present for Raven and building a career. I wanted both
— and I wanted other moms to feel that possibility too.

A Store Built From Motherhood, For Motherhood

Mamma and Cub was born from a combination of love, struggle, and hope. Everything I
couldn't find as a new mom, I wanted to bring into one place — beautiful maternity wear, locally made baby clothing, thoughtful essentials, and a warm space where moms feel seen and supported.

Opening this store has allowed me to spend more time with Raven than I ever imagined
I could. I get to watch her grow, laugh, learn, and explore — and I never take that
privilege for granted.

Mamma and Cub isn’t just a business.
It’s my heart.
It’s our story.
It’s a reminder that even the hardest seasons can bloom into something beautiful.

If you’re a new mom, expectant mom, or simply a mom trying her best — I created this
space for you. Thank you for being here at the start of this journey. I can’t wait to grow
with you and your little cubs.